Greg Chako (born June 12, 1958) is an American jazz guitarist and composer. He released multiple albums as a bandleader and performed in the United States and Asia, including extended periods in Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai, and Japan. His work has been featured in publications such as The Straits Times, The Business Times, the Hong Kong Standard, and the Cincinnati Enquirer."US jazzman finds his groove here". The Straits Times. 2000-09-29.
Early life and education
Chako was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. He began studying music at age nine and initially played accordion before switching to guitar. After one year of guitar study he placed second in a national competition organized by the American Guild of Music.Samaraijwa, Daleena (1994-03-06). "Rhyme with reason from a jazz purist". The Sunday Hongkong Standard.
He later attended the Berklee College of Music, where he studied performance and was named to the Dean's List. During this period he performed with musicians including Junior Cook, Bill Hardman, Bobby Watson, Othello Molineaux, and Jimmy Raney.
Chako later completed undergraduate and graduate studies in music and business and was admitted to the Doctor of Musical Arts program at the Eastman School of Music."Greg Chako: Interview with a Jazz Guitarist". Blood Makes Noise. Archived from the original on 2024-06-25. Retrieved 2025-02-14.
Career
Cincinnati
During the mid-1980s Chako performed at jazz venues in Cincinnati. He also worked as resident guitarist and booking coordinator at Doc's Place, a jazz club covered in local publications."Doc's Place: Cincinnati's Newest Jazz Club". Everybody’s News. No. 60. 1985.
Hong Kong (1992–1994)
In 1992 Chako moved to Hong Kong. During this period he performed in productions including West Side Story and appeared with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. He also performed in hotel venues and led small ensembles.
His first album, Everything I Love, was recorded live in Hong Kong.
Singapore (1994–2002)
Chako relocated to Singapore in 1994. He founded Chako Productions Pte Ltd, a company providing live music for hotels and corporate events.Toh, Han Shih (1999-07-19). "Book a band on the Web for your party". The Business Times.
He performed regularly at venues including the Raffles Hotel, Marina Mandarin, Pan Pacific Singapore, and the Conrad International.
In 2000 The Business Times published a feature on Chako and his ensemble Integration in connection with the album Integration.Cheah, Ui-Hoon (2000-09-30). "United in Jazz". The Business Times.
A profile in The Expat Magazine discussed his work and career in Singapore.Osborne, Magz (2000s). "Blues Brother". The Expat Magazine.
Shanghai (2002–2003)
Chako later moved to Shanghai, where he led a house band at the Westin Bund Center. Local media coverage discussed his performances with the group during this period.Graham, Anton (2003). "Chako Checks In". Shanghai Talk.
Japan (2003–2009)
From 2003 to 2009 Chako lived in Japan, performing primarily in Tokyo and Yokohama. A profile in the Japanese publication Jazz Guitar Book discussed his international career and development as a guitarist."Contemporary Guitar Scene: アジアを渡り歩いた男". Jazz Guitar Book. Vol. 8. Shinko Music.
Return to the United States
After returning to the United States, Chako continued performing and recording.
In 2022 Mint 400 Records and Raining Music reissued several recordings from his catalog, including a remastered edition of Integration."Guitarist Greg Chako friends old and new". All About Jazz. 2022.
His recordings have been reviewed in publications including Jazz Journal, Cadence Magazine, Jazz Guitar Today, and Jazz Weekly."Jazz Guitar Today – Greg Chako". Archived from the original on 2025-11-19. Retrieved 2025-11-16.
Musical style
Chako's recordings incorporate elements of hard bop, modal jazz, and Latin jazz.
Documentary
Chako is the subject of the documentary film An American Cat in the Lion City, which follows his life and work as a jazz musician in Singapore and Hong Kong.An American Cat in the Lion City.
Awards and honors
Inducted into the Cincinnati Jazz Hall of Fame, Class of 2025."2025 Inductees". Cincinnati Jazz Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on 2025-01-18. Retrieved 2025-02-14.
Discography
Everything I Love (1994) Sudden Impact (1996) Live at Raffles (1998) Integration (2000) Integration II (2001) Where We Find Ourselves (2005) Two’s Company, Three’s a Crowd (2006) Paint a Picture, Tell a Story (2007) My World on Six Strings (2013) Everybody’s Got a Name (2021) Friends, Old & New (2022) Tokyo Live! (2023) A Place For Bass: Chamber Jazz Duets (2023) Yokohama Live! (2023) Christmas Time (2023) Standard Roots (2024) Greg Chako Live! (2024) Life After 40 (2024) The Miami Project (2025) Comfort Food (2025) Merry Christmas From Greg Chako (2025) Come To Sorrento's (2026)
References